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For Immediate Release
April 17, 2002 Brenda Valentine, hailed as the "First Lady of Hunting", is the most recent inductee into the Paris-Henry County Sports Hall of Fame. Recognized for her outstanding archery accomplishments, she is the first inductee in the history of the organization to be recognized for a shooting sport. Ms Valentine amassed an extensive list of state, regional, and national championships during her years of competitive target archery. The purpose of the Sports Hall of Fame is to honor, preserve and perpetuate the names and accomplishments of outstanding athletes and other sports personalities. Inductees must have competed for a period of no less than five (5) years, and have not been an active player for five (5) years, except in lifetime activity sports. Inductees are selected from nominations solicited from the public. A seven (7) person, committee then scrutinizes the merits of all nominees. John H. Etheridge, President of the PHC Sports Hall of Fame welcomed Brenda into the Hall and commented that it was gratifying to see a lady display the drive and determination to excel in a sport that is usually played without the aid of coaches and teammates. Although Ms Valentine retired from competition in 1993 she continues to teach and promote the shooting and hunting sports. Her archery and hunting background led to a full-time career in the outdoor industry. Valentine is a national spokesperson for the National Wild Turkey Federations' Women In The Outdoors program, a National Bowhunter Education instructor, a Hunter Education instructor, a prolific writer and member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, a member of Bass Pro Shops' RedHead Hunting Team and co-host of the Bass Pro Shops' television show "Outdoor World". She is the founder and one of the active instructors of the Brenda Valentine, Ladies Bowhunting School. Traveling extensively, speaking to groups of every persuasion and maintaining an active web site is but just two more means by which Brenda spreads the word of archery, shooting, hunting, heritage and conservation. Valentine, and her husband of 30 years, Barney, make their home in Puryear , TN. The Valentine's family consists of two married daughters and three grandsons. Daughters, son-in-laws and grandsons are all archers and hunters. "Raising my family to appreciate nature and know their hunting heritage will be my greatest legacy. I hope the tenacity and conviction to pursue dreams is a family tradition", commented Ms Valentine |
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